Volvo "Chemical Gasket" for Transmission Case
 

I am helping a friend with his 2012 Volvo S60 2.5. It is equipped with the TF80SC, sometimes also referred to as a TF81SC, second generation transmission and has developed a leak at the oil pan seam. I've attached a pic of the transmission for reference.

I checked with the dealer on a pan gasket and the diagram doesn't show one. We did, however, find a gasket on the aftermarket. I try to redo these, and the older 5-speed automatics, with a gasket instead of some type of chemical gasket or silicone. The reason being that you have to get the surfaces perfectly clean and not add any transmission fluid for a day if you go the sealer route. With the gasket, bolt it up and go.

Wondering the cost, I asked the dealer the list price on part #31316436 and the list price is about $152.00. I couldn't believe my ears. Here's the gasket in lieu of the sealer.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...307719&jsn=381

I have a great relationship with my local dealer and even though I would pay less as wholesale, I asked the parts guy who in the world buys this stuff? He had one tube in stock. He said that if they want their car fixed, they buy it. He was surprised to learn that a gasket was available for $4.23.

My view is that it is time for the manufacturer to get off their high horse on some of these parts. A less resourceful person would not know to search out a gasket. I am not blaming the dealer but the manufacturer.

Shame on Volvo for such a stupid pricing model.

That tube will probably seal at least 10 pans. And you can add fluid right away. Hopefully your gasket doesn't leak like the aftermarket ones I've seen people put on P2s.

I've used a gasket on the AW55-50 SN without ever a leak. Funny how the chemical gasket leaked already on a 2012 model.

From the size of the tube, I doubt that you could do 10 pans, but even if I could, it is still 4X the cost of the gasket. There is a reason that the aftermarket is developing the gasket and this is why.

Besides, the chemical gasket has a shelf life so you'd never get a chance to do 10 pans.